Cops Reach Out for Help in Chinatown Murders

Cops are asking for help in solving the [murders of two Chinatown residents](http://nypress.com/chinatown-murders-might-be-linked-to-prostitution/), who were shot and set afire a few weeks ago. The deceased were Li Xiao Ling, 70, and Yong Hua Chen, her 36-year-old friend. Detectives have been focusing primarily on an "underground Chinatown credit system known as the 'Hui,'' which has been around for decades, reports am NY. An NYPD spokesperson stated Chen may have borrowed money through the organization. They said, potentially, a member of the group feared Chen would leave the country without paying the money back. Investigators seem to be struggling for leads as they question suspects in other crimes and search for possible surveillance tapes. They are also now "downplaying reports that Chen was connected to prostitution," reports am NY, a lead previously being followed. -Alissa Fleck